Blood supplies across the region have dropped to roughly one day’s worth on hand, and Onegative, O-positive, and platelet donations are at dangerously low levels.

Immediate donor response is needed.

The situation is so serious that Our Blood Institute (OBI) is now importing blood from the East Coast just to meet hospital demand — a short-term solution that underscores the urgent need for more local donors.

For trauma patients, the difference between life and death often begins before they ever reach a hospital.

On April 5, 2025, Little Rock resident Katie McClanahan was home unpacking boxes when a massive tree crashed through her home, pinning her beneath the debris and shattering her pelvis. The tree’s crushing weight acted as a tourniquet, slowing her bleeding just enough to keep her alive — but time was running out. Katie was trapped for hours, bleeding internally and unable to move.

Thanks to quick action by first responders — and the availability of O-type blood — Katie received four units of blood on the scene before she was even freed.

That immediate transfusion stabilized her just enough to survive transport to the hospital, where she would go on to receive over 30 more units of blood products, including plasma and platelets.

“Donor blood, along with about a hundred other acts of God, saved my life that day,” Katie said. “Now it’s my mission to make sure prehospital blood becomes standard care, because I am living proof that it works.”

O-negative and Opositive blood are vital in trauma situations because they can be safely transfused into most patients without bloodtype matching — buying critical time when seconds count. As more ambulances and air medical teams begin carrying blood, the need for donors continues to grow.

“The situation makes our communities vulnerable,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “Every donation makes a difference right here at home. We never know when someone will need blood — but we do know it must be ready and waiting.”

Blood donations are essential for trauma victims, cancer patients, burn survivors, mothers in childbirth, and countless others. One donation can save up to three lives — and possibly save them before they ever reach the hospital.

Appointments to donate can be made at obi. org or by calling 877340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome. Donors must be healthy and at least 16 years old*. Donation takes about an hour, but its impact lasts a lifetime.

Because when minutes matter, donor blood saves lives.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.